President Bola Tinubu on Sunday directed security agencies to immediately apprehend those responsible for the recent massacre in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which left over 100 people dead.
The President described the attack as “senseless bloodletting” and said the perpetrators must be brought to justice. Tinubu, who spoke through a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, condemned the violence and charged state authorities to urgently restore peace.
“I have been briefed on the senseless bloodletting in Benue State. Enough is enough!” Tinubu stated.
“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them.”
PLATFORM TIMES had reported that the massacre in Yelwata triggered widespread outrage, with irate youths blocking the Lafia–Makurdi highway in protest.
The demonstrations spread into the state capital, Makurdi, on Sunday, prompting a police crackdown that saw officers fire teargas to disperse the crowd.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Tinubu also tasked Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, with initiating immediate peace talks and reconciliation efforts among warring groups.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue,” Tinubu said, urging political and community leaders to avoid inflammatory statements that could worsen tensions.
The President stressed that lasting peace in Benue is possible when all stakeholders work together in good faith.
“Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice,” he added.
Communal clashes, often involving farmers and herders, have plagued several parts of Benue State for years, with deadly consequences. Security forces have repeatedly been accused of slow responses or failure to prevent attacks.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
